Apparatus for use by user in connection with fire source

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is for use by a user having a hand in connection with a fire source. The apparatus includes a handle portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user. A panel portion extends from the handle portion. The panel portion is configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source by the user. A heat shield portion is configured to be supported by any one of the panel portion and the handle portion. The heat shield portion is positioned relative to the handle portion. This is done in such a way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand of the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus configured to (in use) urge a flow of air to the fire source.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor experiences are sought after by urbanites and rural dwellers, and these experiences may include camping, backcountry hiking, canoe trips, fishing trips and/or hunting trips, etc. An outdoor activity may involve the task of lighting and maintaining a fire used for camping, eating, warming, heating, entertaining, and/or emergency alerts, etc. Cabin and cottage experiences use wood or a wood substitute for indoor fireplaces.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with the existing fire-building systems (also called the existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

Fires need to be nursed and managed to keep them burning. For instance, most people may approach the fire, kneel close to the fire, inhale deeply and blow on the fire; in this manner, a person may provide airflow to the fire and keep the fire burning.

Unfortunately, many people have burned themselves and/or have inhaled smoke while blowing air at the fire. This is not comfortable, not safe and/or (at times) dangerous. There is also a problem with the force of the airflow directed to the fire; specifically, lung power of the average person may not be sufficient to blow a stream of air strong enough to fuel the fire without putting the person in unsafe proximity to the fire.

What is needed is an apparatus that may be used (by a user) to provide airflow to a fire source; preferably, the user fans the fire source by using the apparatus.

To mitigate, at least in part, the quality of airflow and the user safety associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for use by a user having a hand in connection with a fire source. The apparatus includes a handle portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user. A panel portion extends from the handle portion. The panel portion is configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source by the user once the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the user. A heat shield portion is configured to be supported by any one of the panel portion and the handle portion. The heat shield portion is positioned relative to the handle portion. This is done in such a way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand of the user once (A) the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the user, and (B) the panel portion is positioned proximate to the fire source.

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 (SHEET 1 OF 4 SHEETS) depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for use by a user having a hand in connection with a fire source;

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 (SHEET 2 OF 4 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (SHEET 3 OF 4 SHEETS) depict a top view and a bottom view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 (SHEET 4 OF 4 SHEETS) depict a top view and a bottom view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   100 apparatus -   102 panel portion -   104 handle portion -   106 heat shield portion -   108 airflow guides -   900 user -   902 hand -   904 fire source -   906 airflow

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for use by a user 900 having a hand 902 in connection with a fire source 904.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 is configured to (A) be grasped by the hand 902 of the user 900, and (B) be positioned proximate to the fire source 904 by the user 900, and (C) shield, at least in part, the hand 902 (at least one or both hands) of the user 900 once the apparatus 100 is grasped by the user 900 and is positioned proximate to the fire source 904. Once positioned as depicted in FIG. 1, the user 900 may fan (pivot or operate) the apparatus 100. This is done in such a way that the fire source 904 receives an airflow 906 (from the apparatus 100). The technical effect of the apparatus 100 is that the apparatus 100 provides a safety shield for (at least part of) the user 900 that is positioned proximate to the fire source 904 while the apparatus 100 is used by the user 900 to manually feed or provide the airflow 906 to the fire source 904. The fire source 904 may include a fire-combustible material (such as, wood, coal, etc.). The apparatus 100 may be used during the summer months and/or the winter months, in outdoor and indoor environments. The apparatus 100, in use, improves fire combustion for building and maintaining a robust fire. The apparatus 100 is configured to help the user 900 build a fire and keep the fire burning as long as desired (provided fuel is added to the fire source 904).

Preferably, the apparatus 100 is portable and easily packed away with the camping gear (after each trip so as not to occupy much space). Preferably, the apparatus 100 is configured to be foldable, rollable, or may have a size that is conducive to fitting into a container used to store camping gear.

When held close to (proximate to), and fanned toward, the fire source 904 (such as, a flame or embers, etc.), the apparatus 100, in use, accelerates the growth of the fire and distributes sufficient air flow to the fire source 904 (thereby allowing the fire source 904 to grow at a rate controlled by the user 900 who is fanning the apparatus 100). The apparatus 100 eliminates the need for the user 900 to blow directly on the fire source 904 (via the mouth of the user 900). The apparatus 100 reduces (minimizes) the burning risk of the user 900 and/or reduces the possibility of the user 900 from inadvertently inhaling smoke from the fire source 904. In this manner, the fire source 904 may burn hotter, cleaner and preferably with less smoke, etc.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 is a hand-held device.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of a panel portion 102, a handle portion 104 and a heat shield portion 106.

The handle portion 104 is configured to be grasped by the hand 902 of the user 900.

The panel portion 102 extends (directly or indirectly) from the handle portion 104. The panel portion 102 is configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source 904 by the user 900 once the handle portion 104 is grasped by the hand 902 of the user 900. The panel portion 102 may include a flat planar object. The user 900 manually fans the panel portion 102.

The heat shield portion 106 is configured to be supported (directly or indirectly) by any one of the panel portion 102 and the handle portion 104. The heat shield portion 106 is positioned relative to the handle portion 104. This is done in such a way that the heat shield portion 106, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand 902 of the user 900 once (A) the handle portion 104 is grasped by the hand 902 of the user 900, and (B) the panel portion 102 is positioned proximate to the fire source 904.

Once positioned as depicted in FIG. 3, the user 900 may fan (pivot or operate) the handle portion 104. Specifically, the handle portion 104 is configured to be pivotally moved by the user 900. This is done in such a way that the fire source 904 receives an airflow 906 (from the panel portion 102). The technical effect of the apparatus 100 is that the apparatus 100 provides the heat shield portion 106 for (at least part of) the user 900 (while the user 900 is positioned close to the fire source 904 and while the apparatus 100 is used by the user 900 to manually feed or provide the airflow 906 to the fire source 904). The heat shield portion 106 is configured to provide a heat shield for the hand 902 of the user 900 while the user 900 uses the apparatus 100 to urge the airflow 906 toward the fire source 904.

The apparatus 100 permits the user 900 to apply the airflow 906 to the fire source 904 (in such a way that the fire source 904 ignites relatively faster and grows with relative ease). The apparatus 100 provides a simple, safe and easy-to-control system for providing airflow 906 to the fire source 904. This is done in such a way that that user 900 may remain at a relatively safer positon relative to the fire source 904, thereby allowing the user 900 to remain at a position that is relatively cooler for the user 900 and/or reduce the chances for the user 900 to inhale (at least in part) smoke from the fire source 904 (provided the wind direction is favourable for the user 900, of course).

At least some or all of the components of the apparatus 100 may be made of a semi flexible, fire resistant material. The components of the apparatus 100 includes a material that is fire resistant and/or heat resistant so that the hands of the user 900 are shielded or protected from the heat generated by the fire source 904. It is preferred that prolonged use the fire resistant material and/or heat resistant material do not combust, melt or become damaged. In cases where the apparatus 100 is used during the winter months, the apparatus 100 does not become brittle in sub-zero temperatures.

Of course, for the case where the user 900 holds the apparatus 100 over the flames of the fire source 904 for more than a few minutes, the material may be expected to melt and/or burn (except in the case of asbestos fibers being used in the apparatus 100, etc.).

The components of the apparatus 100 may be any desired color, and/or may be waterproof and/or may be able to withstand extreme temperatures and temperature changes. For instance, the components of the apparatus 100 are configured to be used in the cold of the winter from about minus 30 degrees Celsius to about positive 30 degrees Celsius. The components of the apparatus 100 may withstand rapid temperature change. For the case where the components of the apparatus 100 are used in the winter months and have been outside in below freezing temperatures, the components should remain flexible in order to work effectively when positioned close to the fire source 904. The components of the apparatus 100 may be fire resistant, flexible, and/or heat insulated. The thickness of any component of the apparatus 100 may depend on the type of material used and/or flexibility of the material used and/or the amount of light weighting desired or needed for a specific component. The apparatus 100 (the components of the apparatus 100) may be configured to be foldable, rollable, etc.

The handle portion 104 may be of any desired shape (form) such as a rectangular shape, etc. The handle portion 104 may include any desired or suitable material, such as a plastic material (preferably a heat resistant material). The handle portion 104 may be manufactured by an injection molding process using a mold assembly. In accordance with an option, the handle portion 104 includes a water resistant material.

The panel portion 102 may include a soft non-combustible material, such as a plastic material that is not combustible. The panel portion 102 may be of any desired shape (form) such as a rectangular shape, etc. The panel portion 102 may include any desired or suitable material, such as a plastic material (preferably a heat resistant material). The panel portion 102 may be manufactured by an injection molding process using a mold assembly. The panel portion 102 and the handle portion 104 may be integrated with (integral with) each other or may be connected or affixed together, as may be desired. In accordance with an option, the panel portion 102 is configured to be foldable or rollable.

The heat shield portion 106 may be of any desired shape (form) such as an oval shape, etc. The heat shield portion 106 may include any type of heat resistant material, such a heat resistant silicone, and any equivalent thereof, etc. The heat shield portion 106 may be manufactured by an injection molding process using a mold assembly. The heat shield portion 106 may be integrated with (integral with) any one of (or with both of) the panel portion 102 and the handle portion 104. The heat shield portion 106 may be connectable with any one of (or with both of) the handle portion 104 and the handle portion 104.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heat shield portion 106 is configured and is positioned to surround (at least in part) the hand 902 of the user 900 once the user 900 grasps the handle portion 104. The heat shield portion 106 may form a glove-like envelope or a cup-like formation.

In accordance with an embodiment, the heat shield portion 106 includes cup-like formations positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion 104. This arrangement provides interchangeable gripping of the handle portion 104, while accommodating a wide range of hand sizes.

In accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the apparatus 100 further includes airflow guides 108. The airflow guides 108 are positioned on the outer surface of the panel portion 102 (preferably on opposite sides of the panel portion 102). The airflow guides 108 are configured to improve the distribution of airflow 906 around the fire source 904. The airflow guides 108 are configured to focus the airflow 906 over the fire source 904. The airflow guides 108, when used, increase the amount of airflow 906 over the fire source 904 with less effort and movement required of the user 900 (fanning of fire). The airflow guides 108 may include elevated ribs extending from the outer surface of the panel portion 102.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict a top view and a bottom view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the apparatus 100 is configured for use by one instance of the hand 902 of the user 900. Specifically, the handle portion 104 is configured for use by one instance of the hand 902 of the user 900.

In accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the airflow guides 108 are spaced apart from each other. The airflow guides 108 are aligned (tapered) toward each other at one end of the panel portion 102 (for a more focused airflow effect).

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depict a top view and a bottom view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the apparatus 100 is configured for use by both instances of the hand 902 of the user 900. Specifically, the handle portion 104 is configured for use by both instances of the hand 902 of the user 900.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use by a user having a hand in connection with a fire source, the apparatus comprising: a handle portion being configured to be grasped by the hand of the user; and a panel portion extending from the handle portion, and the panel portion being configured to be positioned proximate to the fire source by the user once the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the user; and a heat shield portion being configured to be supported by any one of the panel portion and the handle portion, and the heat shield portion being positioned relative to the handle portion in such a way that the heat shield portion, in use, shields, at least in part, the hand of the user once (A) the handle portion is grasped by the hand of the user, and (B) the panel portion is positioned proximate to the fire source.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is configured to be pivotally moved by the user.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the panel portion is configured to be foldable or rollable.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion includes a heat resistant material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the panel portion includes a non-combustible material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the panel portion and the handle portion are integrated with each other.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion is integrated with any one of the panel portion and the handle portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion includes a heat resistant material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion is configured and is positioned to surround, at least in part, the hand of the user once the user grasps the handle portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the heat shield portion includes: cup-like formations positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: airflow guides positioned on an outer surface of the panel portion, and the airflow guides are configured to focus airflow over the fire source.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the airflow guides are spaced apart from each other.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the airflow guides are aligned toward each other at one end of the panel portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is configured for use by one instance of the hand of the user.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion is configured for use by both instances of the hand of the user.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handle portion includes a water resistant material. 